8/04/2011

General Cardiology - Preparticipation Screening for Sports

Presence of 1 or more of the 12 elements below should trigger referral for CV evaluation:Parental verification is regarded essential for high school and middle school students.

12-element AHA recommendations for preparticipation CV screening of compettitive athletes:Medical History:Personal History -1. Exertional chest pain/discomfort2. Unexplained syncope/near-syncope (judged non-vasovagal; particular concern when related to exertion)3. Excessive exertional and unexplained dyspnea/fatigue, associated with exercise4. Prior recognitiion of a heart murmur5. Elevated BPFamily History -6. Premature death (sudden and unexpected or otherwise) before age 50 years due to heart disease, in more than or equal to 1 relative.7. Disability from heart disease in a close relative < 50 years8. Specific knowledge of certain cardiac conditions in family members: HCM or DCM, LQTS or other ion channelopathies, Marfan syndrome or clinically important arrhythmias